Introduction
Yamaha has a long history of producing high quality classical guitars for students and beginners. Founded in 1887, the company started building pianos and reed organs, eventually expanding into a wide range of musical instruments. Their first nylon-string classical guitar was introduced in 1942, and since then Yamaha has become well known for making affordable yet well-crafted classical guitars.
The Yamaha CS40II is an entry-level 7/8 size classical guitar that’s designed with the beginner in mind. With its shorter 580mm scale length and compact body size, the CS40II is well-suited for younger students with smaller hands or smaller-framed adults. The smaller body size also reduces string tension, making the CS40II more comfortable for novice players learning proper classical technique. Despite the reduced dimensions, Yamaha didn’t compromise on tonewoods – the CS40II features a solid spruce top and laminated meranti back and sides. This tonewood combination helps the CS40II produce a balanced and resonant tone. Overall, the CS40II aims to offer maximum playability and a quality classical guitar sound in a package designed for smaller beginners.
Yamaha CS40II Specs & Features
The Yamaha CS40II is a 7/8 size classical guitar with a compact body that’s ideal for younger players and smaller adults. Here are the key specs and features that define this beginner-friendly instrument:
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Size & Scale Length: The CS40II has a 7/8 size body with a shorter 580mm (22.83") scale length. The compact dimensions make it very comfortable for smaller hands.
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Tonewoods: The top is solid spruce, which provides balanced tone and good projection. The back, sides, and neck are made from meranti, an affordable and durable tonewood.
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Fretboard & Bridge: The fretboard and bridge are rosewood, which pairs nicely with the mellow nylon strings.
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Appointments: The CS40II has a decorative rosette and white binding on the body, neck and headstock. Chrome enclosed tuning machines offer smooth and reliable tuning stability.
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Finish Options: This model comes in a natural gloss finish to showcase the wood grain patterns. The understated look gives it a classic vibe.
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Hardware: The nut and saddle are plastic, which helps keep costs down for an entry-level instrument. The tuners, strings, and other hardware are decent quality.
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Price: The CS40II costs around $199 USD for just the guitar, which provides tremendous value. Bundles with a case, tuner, strings, picks, etc. offer even more value for beginners.
Overall, the CS40II offers an impressive mix of playability, solid construction and attractive appointment details at a very wallet-friendly price point. It punches above its weight class in terms of value for money.
Construction and Hardware
The Yamaha CS40II features a solid spruce top paired with laminated meranti back and sides, a combination commonly seen on entry-level classical guitars. The spruce provides brightness and projection, while the meranti offers a balanced tone with good midrange.
The neck is made of nato wood, which is strong and stable. It has a comfortable C-shaped profile that fits nicely in smaller hands. The fretboard and bridge are both rosewood, which looks classy against the natural finish.
The hardware is high quality for the price point. The tuners are chrome sealed-gear tuners that hold tune well. The nut and saddle are both plastic, but cut precisely for good intonation. The frets are medium in size, finished smoothly and evenly.
The binding along the body, fretboard, and headstock gives the CS40II a more refined look. The rosette around the soundhole has an ornate geometric pattern with multiple rings, adding a decorative touch.
Overall, the materials and hardware are very good considering the affordable price tag. While not solid wood throughout, the guitar still looks attractive and the construction quality seems reliable for a beginner instrument. The hardware performs well and should hold up nicely under regular playing.
Sound & Playability
The Yamaha CS40II produces a warm, balanced tone that is impressive for a smaller-bodied classical guitar. The solid spruce top provides good projection and volume while the meranti back and sides add warmth and sweetness to the sound.
Despite the shorter 580mm scale length, the CS40II has a rich and resonant voice when played fingerstyle. The nylon strings are easy on the fingers while still capable of producing the bright, ringing tones that classical guitars are known for.
The playability of the CS40II makes it a great choice for beginners and younger students. The slim neck profile and low string action over the rosewood fretboard allow for comfortable fretting and barre chords. Even smaller hands should find it easy to maneuver across the frets.
The guitar stays in tune very well, with quality tuning machines that hold after repeated playing sessions. Intonation is accurate across the fretboard, enabling clearly defined notes and chords up to the higher positions. Overall, the CS40II offers impressive sound and playability in a compact classical guitar package.
Alternatives to Consider
The Yamaha CS40II occupies a competitive space in the beginner classical guitar market. Here are some other noteworthy models to consider in a similar price range:
Cordoba C1
The Cordoba C1 is another popular entry-level classical guitar. It features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides. The tone is balanced and warm. The playability is also beginner-friendly. The craftsmanship and attention to detail rival more expensive models. Overall, the C1 provides comparable quality and value to the CS40II. Some may prefer the aesthetics and tonewood combination of the Cordoba.
Kremona Sofia
This Bulgarian-made classical guitar has earned praise for its surprisingly good construction and sound quality given its affordable price tag. The Sofia features a spruce top with sapele back and sides. It produces a balanced tone with good volume and sustain. The playability is decent for a beginner once the guitar is properly set up. The tuners and hardware are serviceable. It’s a viable alternative for those seeking good bang for their buck.
Yamaha C40
As another Yamaha model, the full-size C40 is worth considering instead of the smaller 7/8 CS40II. Both guitars share Yamaha’s emphasis on quality control and consistency. The C40 features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, and rosewood fretboard. Those with larger hands or who want a guitar that will last many years may want to invest in the standard scale length of the C40. However, the playability and comfort of the CS40II may still be preferable for many novices.
La Patrie Etude
This entry from the respected La Patrie brand offers all solid wood construction with a cedar top and mahogany back/sides. The warm, balanced tone has been praised by many users. It plays comfortably right out of the box. The Etude compares well to the CS40II in price, quality, and purpose as a starter classical guitar. The La Patrie may appeal to those wanting an all solid wood instrument on a budget.
The CS40II is competitive with these other models in terms of quality, playability, and value. Much of the decision comes down to individual player preferences on size, aesthetics, tonewoods, and brand reputation. However, the CS40II remains a great first classical guitar for the money.
Customer Reviews
The Yamaha CS40II has received very positive reviews from customers across major retailers and forums. On Amazon, it holds a 4.7 out of 5 star rating based on over 900 global reviews. The two most common positives cited by buyers are the guitar’s playability for beginners and its excellent value for money.
Reviewers consistently praise how easy the CS40II is to play right out of the box. The low action and slim neck make it very comfortable for smaller hands. Many parents and teachers comment that the compact size and nylon strings help avoid finger pain and fatigue for younger students. The tone is described as warm and mellow – ideal for classical guitar.
The top complaint from a minority of customers relates to potential quality control issues. Some report cosmetic flaws like uneven finishes or pieces of debris under the finish. Others cite problems like warped necks that affect playability. However, most state these issues are rare, and Yamaha offers good customer service for returns or exchanges.
Beyond online reviews, the CS40II also earns high marks from professional guitar publications. Guitar Player highlights the guitar’s impressive resonance and volume despite its compact size. Acoustic Guitar praises the balanced tone that belies its affordable price point. Just Strings compliments the great intonation across the fretboard.
Overall, customer experiences suggest the Yamaha CS40II succeeds as a high-quality and playable beginner classical guitar for the money. Most buyers are very satisfied with their purchase and would readily recommend it.
Who is it For?
The Yamaha CS40II is designed for beginning classical guitar players of all ages, but especially younger students and smaller adults. Its compact 7/8 size and short 580mm scale length help make it very accessible for smaller hands and shorter arms. The low action and soft nylon strings further aid playability for novice players.
This is an excellent first classical guitar for children who are just starting lessons, as the smaller size will be less intimidating and easier to handle. The mellow tone helps avoid the harsh, metallic sounds that cheap guitars often produce. Parents and music teachers alike will appreciate the quality and consistency that Yamaha is known for.
Adult students with smaller hands who are learning classical guitar for the first time will also find the CS40II to be comfortable and enjoyable to practice on. The high-quality materials and construction mean it’s not just a "toy" guitar either.
While larger teenagers may eventually outgrow the smaller size, the CS40II is an ideal starter instrument for most beginners before moving up to a full-size classical. Its approachable price also makes it very attractive for students on a budget.
The Yamaha CS40II isn’t likely to be the lifelong classical guitar for many players. But it excels as a high-quality entry-level instrument for beginners of all ages to learn the basics on. For small children just starting out, or adult students with petite frames, the CS40II delivers an enjoyable playing experience that will foster skills and passion for years to come.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great playability right out of the box, with low action and easy fretting that’s ideal for beginners
- Warm, balanced nylon string tone that projects well despite the smaller body size
- Excellent value for the price – you get impressive quality and features for an affordable student model
- Crafted with traditional tonewoods (solid spruce top, meranti back/sides) for better sound
- Yamaha’s reputation for consistency and quality control in entry-level instruments
Cons
- Some concerns about long-term durability and craftsmanship compared to more expensive models
- Meranti back/sides may not age as nicely as rosewood or mahogany
- Smaller size means a shorter scale length, which can limit tone as players advance
- May need a professional setup and upgraded strings for best playability
- Not as visually ornate or "special" looking as some beginner classical guitars
The pros focus on the playability, warm tone, and value that make the CS40II a great entry-level instrument. The cons cover potential issues like durability of cheaper tonewoods and the limitations of the smaller size for advancing players. Let me know if you would like me to expand on any of the points!
FAQs
What size is the Yamaha CS40II?
The Yamaha CS40II is a 7/8 size classical guitar, with a scale length of 580mm. This makes it smaller and easier to play than a full size classical.
What are the top, back, and sides made of?
The CS40II has a solid spruce top, with meranti back and sides. The fretboard and bridge are rosewood. These tonewoods produce a warm, balanced sound.
What strings does it come with?
It comes strung with nylon strings – the standard for classical guitars. The strings are light gauge for comfortable playing.
Is the CS40II good for beginners?
Yes, the CS40II is an excellent beginner classical guitar. The smaller size and nylon strings make it very playable. The tone is also warm and rich, even for a budget guitar.
How much does the CS40II cost?
The CS40II retails for around $150-200 USD for just the guitar. Bundles with a case, tuner, strings, picks, etc. cost closer to $250-300.
How does the CS40II compare to other entry-level classical guitars?
The CS40II consistently rates higher than guitars like the Cordoba C5 and Yamaha C40 for its playability, tone, and quality control. It’s an excellent value in its price range.
Is the CS40II durable enough for a beginner?
While not built to the same standards as professional classical guitars, the CS40II is reasonably durable for careful use by a beginner or student. Proper care and maintenance will extend its lifespan.
What accessories are included with the CS40II?
At minimum, it includes a basic gig bag. Some bundles add extras like a tuner, strings, picks, polishing cloth, instructional DVD, and more. Shop carefully to maximize value.
Is the CS40II a good choice for small adults?
Yes, the compact 7/8 size makes the CS40II a great choice for smaller-framed adults looking for an easy-to-play classical guitar. The tone doesn’t suffer like with some 3/4 size guitars.
Conclusion
The Yamaha CS40II is an excellent choice as a beginner classical guitar, especially for younger students or smaller-framed adults. Its 7/8 size helps make learning and playing easier, while still delivering a rich nylon-string tone.
Overall, the CS40II punches above its weight in terms of quality and value. Yamaha’s reputation for consistency shines through in the solid construction, quality materials, and attention to detail at this price point. While it may not have the projection or volume of a full-size classical, the warm mellow tone is perfectly suited for beginners.
The playability is also a major highlight, with the shorter 580mm scale length and low action that allows easy fretting. Intonation stays true up the neck, and the guitar holds tune well. The smaller compact body size brings comfort for smaller hands. While serious classical players may eventually outgrow it, the CS40II is ideal for starting out.
For those seeking an affordable, high-quality nylon string guitar tailored to beginners, the Yamaha CS40II is easy to recommend. While there are comparable models, Yamaha’s track record and reputation make this a reliable choice. If you or your student are looking to begin a lifelong journey with classical guitar, the CS40II is a wonderful first instrument.